Induction heating systems having close proximity communication devices

ABSTRACT

Apparatuses, systems, and/or methods for providing an induction heating system are disclosed. The induction heating system includes an induction power supply and an induction heating tool configured to receive induction-type power from the induction power supply through one or more ports. The ports may be part of the induction power supply and/or an associated junction box. The induction heating tool may include a heating coil attached to one or more plugs via one or more cables. The ports of the induction power supply and/or junction box are configured to receive the plugs of the induction heating tool. A communication device may be positioned adjacent the ports. The communication device may be configured to read data from one or more memory devices of the induction heating tool (e.g., in/on the plugs) via close proximity communication.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to, and is a continuation of,co-pending U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 16/297,345,entitled “INDUCTION HEATING SYSTEMS HAVING CLOSE PROXIMITY COMMUNICATIONDEVICES,” filed Mar. 8, 2019, which claims priority from and the benefitof U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/646,615, entitled“INDUCTION HEATING SYSTEMS HAVING CLOSE PROXIMITY COMMUNICATIONDEVICES,” having a filing date of Mar. 22, 2018, all of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to induction heating systemsand, more particularly, to induction heating systems having closeproximity communication devices.

BACKGROUND

Induction heating refers to a method for producing heat in a localizedarea on a susceptible (typically metal) object. Induction heatinginvolves applying an alternating current (AC) electric signal to aheating loop placed near a specific location on and/or near a piece ofmetal to be heated. The varying current in the loop creates a varyingmagnetic flux within the metal to be heated. Current is induced in themetal by the magnetic flux and the internal resistance of the metalcauses it to heat up in a relatively short period of time.

Induction heating may be used for many different purposes includingcuring adhesives, hardening of metals, brazing, soldering, and otherfabrication processes in which heat is a necessary or desirable agent.Induction heating may also be used by welding systems for pre-heatingand/or post-heating materials.

Limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approacheswill become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison ofsuch systems with the present disclosure as set forth in the remainderof the present application with reference to the drawings.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to apparatus, systems, and methodsfor maintaining usage logs, such as in an induction heating system, forexample, substantially as illustrated by and/or described in connectionwith at least one of the figures, and as set forth more completely inthe claims.

These and other advantages, aspects and novel features of the presentdisclosure, as well as details of an illustrated example thereof, willbe more fully understood from the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example induction heating system, inaccordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating functional components of theinduction heating system of FIG. 1 , in accordance with aspects of thisdisclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of components that may be used in theinduction heating system of FIG. 1 , in accordance with aspects of thisdisclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a junction box, a heating tool cable,and a heating tool plug that may be used in the induction heating systemof FIG. 1 , in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example operation of the inductionheating system of FIG. 1 , in accordance with aspects of thisdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Preferred examples of the present disclosure may be describedhereinbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings. In thefollowing description, well-known functions or constructions are notdescribed in detail because they may obscure the disclosure inunnecessary detail. For this disclosure, the following terms anddefinitions shall apply.

As used herein, “and/or” means any one or more of the items in the listjoined by “and/or”. As an example, “x and/or y” means any element of thethree-element set {(x), (y), (x, y)}. In other words, “x and/or y” means“one or both of x and y”. As another example, “x, y, and/or z” means anyelement of the seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x, y), (x, z), (y, z),(x, y, z)}. In other words, “x, y and/or z” means “one or more of x, yand z”.

As used herein the terms “circuits” and “circuitry” refer to physicalelectronic components (i.e., hardware) and any software and/or firmware(“code”) which may configure the hardware, be executed by the hardware,and or otherwise be associated with the hardware. As used herein, forexample, a particular processor and memory may comprise a first“circuit” when executing a first one or more lines of code and maycomprise a second “circuit” when executing a second one or more lines ofcode. As utilized herein, circuitry is “operable” and/or “configured” toperform a function whenever the circuitry comprises the necessaryhardware and/or code (if any is necessary) to perform the function,regardless of whether performance of the function is disabled or enabled(e.g., by a user-configurable setting, factory trim, etc.).

As utilized herein, the terms “e.g.,” and “for example” set off lists ofone or more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations.

As used herein, a welding-type power supply and/or power source refersto any device capable of, when power is applied thereto, supplyingwelding, cladding, plasma cutting, induction heating, laser (includinglaser welding, laser hybrid, and laser cladding), carbon arc cutting orgouging and/or resistive preheating, including but not limited totransformer-rectifiers, inverters, converters, resonant power supplies,quasi-resonant power supplies, switch-mode power supplies, etc., as wellas control circuitry and other ancillary circuitry associated therewith.

As used herein, welding-type power refers to power suitable for welding,cladding, plasma cutting, induction heating, CAC-A and/or hot wirewelding/preheating (including laser welding and laser cladding), carbonarc cutting or gouging, and/or resistive preheating.

As used herein, an induction head refers to an inductive load such as aninduction coil, an induction winding, and/or an induction coil withmatching transformer. As used herein, an induction/inductor coil refersto a conductor with current flowing therein, which heats a workpiece byinduction. As used herein, an induction/inductor winding includes awinding that induces a magnetic field when current flows therein.

As used herein, an induction power supply refers to a power supply thatis capable of providing power to a heating tool, heating element,induction coil, and/or induction head, to induce heat in a (typicallymetallic) workpiece. As used herein, an induction heating systemincludes a power source that can provide power for induction heating,and an induction head that can induce heat in a workpiece. As usedherein, induction-type power refers to power suitable for a heatingtool, heating element, induction coil, and/or induction head, to induceheat in a (typically metallic) workpiece.

As used herein, a pancake spiral pattern for an induction coil is aninduction coil wound in a spiral generally in a single plane. As usedherein, a stacked spiral pattern for an induction coil is an inductioncoil wound with multiple spirals, each generally in a plane that isdifferent from the others.

As used herein, the terms “coupled,” “coupled to,” and “coupled with,”each mean a structural and/or electrical connection, whether attached,affixed, connected, joined, fastened, linked, and/or otherwise secured.As used herein, the term “attach” means to affix, couple, connect, join,fasten, link, and/or otherwise secure. As used herein, the term“connect” means to attach, affix, couple, join, fasten, link, and/orotherwise secure.

As used herein, the terms “about” and/or “approximately,” when used tomodify or describe a value (or range of values), position, orientation,and/or action, mean reasonably close to that value, range of values,position, orientation, and/or action. Thus, the examples describedherein are not limited to only the recited values, ranges of values,positions, orientations, and/or actions but rather should includereasonably workable deviations.

The term “power” is used throughout this specification for convenience,but also includes related measures such as energy, current, voltage, andenthalpy. For example, controlling “power” may involve controllingvoltage, current, energy, and/or enthalpy, and/or controlling based on“power” may involve controlling based on voltage, current, energy,and/or enthalpy.

Some examples of the present disclosure relate to an induction heatingsystem, comprising an induction power source configured to generateinduction-type power, an induction heating tool configured to use theinduction-type power to perform a heating operation, a memory deviceattached to the induction heating tool, and a communication deviceassociated with the induction power source. The memory device isconfigured to store data relating to the induction heating tool, and thecommunication device is configured to read the data from the memorydevice using a close proximity communication protocol when the memorydevice is in close proximity.

In some examples, a user interface is configured to present the data toan operator. In some examples, the memory device is an NFC tag. In someexamples, the communication device is an RFID interrogator. In someexamples, the data comprises an amount of time the induction heatingtool has been in use. In some examples, a user interface is configuredto deliver an alert in response to the amount of time meeting orexceeding a threshold. In some examples, the induction heating tool iscoupled to the induction power supply through a junction box.

Some examples of the present disclosure relate to an induction heatingtool, comprising a coil configured to receive electrical power toperform a heating operation, and a memory device configured to storedata relating to the induction heating tool.

In some examples, induction heating tool may further comprise a plugconfigured for coupling to a port, and a cable having a first endcoupled to the plug and a second end coupled to the coil. In someexamples, the memory device is positioned in the plug. In some examples,the memory device is positioned adjacent the first end of the cable. Insome examples, the memory device comprises an NFC tag. In some examples,the data comprises an amount of time the induction heating tool has beenin use.

Some examples of the present disclosure relate to a method, comprisingreading data from a memory device associated with an induction heatingtool via close proximity communication using a communication deviceassociated with an induction power supply, wherein the induction powersupply is configured to provide induction-type power to the inductionheating tool.

In some examples, the method further comprises writing data to thememory device via close proximity communication using the communicationdevice. In some examples, the memory device is an RFID tag. In someexamples, the communication device is an RFID interrogator. In someexamples, the data comprises an amount of time the induction heatingtool has been in use. In some examples, the method further comprisesdelivering a warning if the data meets or exceeds a threshold. In someexamples, the method further comprises presenting the data to anoperator via a user interface.

Some examples of the present disclosure relate to an induction heatingsystem. The induction heating system may include an induction powersupply and an induction heating tool. The induction power supply may beconnected to a power source, and may be configured to take in power fromthe power source and output power capable of being used by the inductionheating tool (e.g., induction-type and/or welding-type power). Theinduction power supply may further include and/or be connected to ajunction box. The junction box and/or induction power supply may includeone or more ports configured to receive one or more plugs of theinduction heating tool.

The induction heating tool may comprise an induction coil and/or aninduction winding connected to one or more plugs through one or morecables (and/or conductors, cords, etc.). In some examples, the inductionheating tool may comprise an induction head. In some examples, theinduction coil and/or winding may be configured in a stacked and/orpancake spiral pattern. Additionally or alternatively, the inductioncoil and/or winding may be arranged in any customized pattern to fit aparticular workpiece and/or weld joint, and/or may be implemented usinga fixture for repeatable heating of a consistent type of joint. In someexamples, the induction coil and/or induction winding may comprise aLitz wire (e.g., a jacketed Litz wire). In some examples, the inductioncoil and/or winding may be secured onto and/or into an insulatingmaterial (e.g., sewn into an insulating blanket). In some examples, theinduction heating tool may be moved by a robotic positioning system intandem along a welding path together with a conventional welding head,for example a TIG head or any other known type, which “follows” thepre-heating head.

The induction coil and/or induction winding may receive induction powerand/or induction coolant (e.g., air and/or liquid) from the inductionpower supply through one or more cables. The one or more cables may havefirst ends connected to the induction coils/windings and/or second endsthat terminate in one or more plugs. The one or more plugs may beconfigured for coupling to the one or more ports of the junction boxand/or induction power supply. In some examples, the induction heatingtool comprises two plugs, both of which must be connected to thejunction box and/or induction power supply for the induction heatingtool to properly function. In some examples, however, the inductionheating tool may include only one plug, and/or only plug of theinduction heating tool may need to be connected to the junction boxand/or induction power supply for the induction heating tool to properlyfunction. When coupled to the junction box and/or induction powersupply, induction heating tool may receive power and/or coolant, so thatthe induction tool can perform an induction heating operation.

The induction power supply and/or junction box may include acommunication device configured for close proximity communication with amemory device of the induction heating tool. In some examples, thecommunication device may be a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID)reader/writer, such as an RFID interrogator, for example. The memorydevice may be an RFID tag (and/or transponder, label, etc.), forexample. In some examples, the communication device may be a near fieldcommunication (NFC) reader/writer/interrogator, and the memory devicemay be an NFC tag (and/or transponder, label, etc.). Where the memorydevice is a tag, the tag may be an active or passive tag.

The communication device may read/write the memory device using a closeproximity communication protocol, such as an NFC protocol, an ISO 18000,ISO 14443, ISO 15693, and/or ISO 24730 protocol, for example. In someexamples, the communication device may read/write the memory deviceusing some other communications protocol. Advantageously, NFC and/orRFID devices may communicate without actual contact, avoiding the needfor physical connectors that could be damaged. Rather, NFC and/or RFIDdevices communicate via electromagnetic induction, such as between loopantennas within a common near field associated with each NFC and/or RFIDenabled device for data transfer. The communication device and/or memorydevice may include loop antennas to facilitate data transfer via suchclose proximity communication.

In some examples, the communication device (e.g., RFID/NFC interrogator)may be positioned adjacent to connection ports of the junction boxand/or induction power supply. In some examples, more than onecommunication devices may be used, such as one communication device foreach port, for example. The memory device may be positioned in (and/oron, adjacent to, proximate to, etc.) the plugs of the heating tool. Insome examples, each plug may be fitted with its own memory device. Insome examples, only one plug may have a memory device. In some examples,one or more communication devices may be positioned in other portions ofthe induction heating tool (e.g., the cable(s) and/or coil/winding).

In some examples, the communication device(s) may be configured tointeract (e.g., via close proximity communication) with the memorydevice(s) of the plug(s) of the induction heating tool when the plugsare connected to the ports of the induction power supply and/or junctionbox. More particularly, the communication device(s) may be configured toread and/or write data to/from the memory device(s) via close proximitycommunication. In some examples, the data read and/or written to/fromthe memory device(s) may include usage log data of the induction heatingtool, such as, for example, amount of time used (e.g., number of days,hours, minutes, etc.), location(s) where the tool was used (and/or lastused), highest drive current applied, maintenance details (e.g., lastmaintenance, number of times maintenance performed, etc.), manufacturingdetails (e.g., date, location, company, etc.), and/or other applicableinformation. The communication device(s) may further be configured towrite to the memory device(s) to update this data. For example, thecommunication device may increment the amount of time used based on anamount of time the induction heating tool has been in use and/or coupledto the induction power supply and/or junction box. As another example,the communication device may update the location(s) where the inductionheating tool was last used and/or the highest drive current applied (ifa higher drive current has or is currently been applied).

Data read by the communication device(s) from the memory device(s) maybe displayed and/or otherwise indicated to a user via a user interfaceof the induction heating system. The user interface may be part ofand/or connected to the induction power supply. In some examples, theuser interface may be a remote interface that communicates with theinduction power supply via a wireless communication channel or a wiredcable connection. The user interface may comprise one or more displayscreens, audio speakers, and/or input mechanisms (e.g., keyboard, mouse,microphones, touch screen display, data ports, etc.). The user interfacemay continually indicate and/or display data read from the memorydevice(s), or do so in response to user input. The communicationdevice(s) may continually read from the memory device(s) when the twoare in proximity, or do so in response to user input. The communicationdevice(s) may write to (and/or update) the memory device(s) in responseto input from the user. The data written to the memory device(s) may beprovided by the user via the user interface, provided by the inductionpower supply and/or junction box, and/or provided by some other devicecoupled to the induction heating system (e.g., via the user interface).For example, the induction power supply may record position data and/orcurrent data which may be used to update the location and/or highestdrive current applied data stored in the memory device of the inductionheating tool. As a further example, an internal clock of the inductionpower supply may be used to update the amount of time used data storedin the memory device(s) of the induction heating tool.

In some examples, the user interface may be configured to provide awarning (and/or alert, alarm, feedback, etc.) when the amount of timeused data stored in the memory device(s) of the induction heating toolmeets and/or exceeds a given threshold. The threshold may bepredetermined (e.g., by the induction power supply) and/or based on userinput. The warning may be a visual, audio, and/or other type of warning,such as an emphasized visual indication shown on the display screen ofthe user interface, and/or a klaxon, siren, and/or other sound that maybe associated with a warning. The warning may serve to alert a user tomaintenance needs of the induction heating tool. In some examples, theamount of time used data may comprise a total amount of time used and anamount of time used since last maintenance. In such an example, thewarning may be in response to the amount of time used since lastmaintenance meets or exceeds a given threshold.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example induction heating system100, according to aspects of the present disclosure. In the example ofFIG. 1 , the induction heating system 100 includes an induction powersupply 102 coupled to a power source 104 and a junction box 106. Thepower source 104 may power the induction power supply 102 (e.g., via agenerator, battery, main electrical power source, etc.). The inductionpower supply 102 may be configured to generate AC induction-type power(and/or welding-type power) from the power supplied via the power source104. In the example of FIG. 1 , the junction box 106 is configured forcoupling to an induction heating tool 108.

As illustrated in the example of FIG. 1 , the induction power supply 102includes and/or is connected to a user interface 112. In some examples,the user interface 112 may be a remote interface that communicates withthe induction power supply 102 via a wireless communication channel or awired cable connection. The user interface 112 may include inputmechanisms, such as buttons, knobs, dials, touch screens, microphones,keyboards, and so forth to allow an operator to regulate variousoperating parameters of the induction power supply 102. For example, theuser interface 112 may be configured to enable an operator to set andadjust a frequency and/or amplitude of the alternating current producedby the induction power supply 102. Similarly, the user interface 112 mayenable an operator to select a desired output temperature of aninduction tool 108 coupled to the induction power supply 102. The userinterface 112 may also include one or more display screens and/or audiospeakers configured to provide system feedback to the operator (e.g.,real-time temperature of the secondary induction heating coil 110,travel speed of the secondary induction heating coil 110 relative to theworkpiece, and so forth).

In the example of FIG. 1 , the induction power supply 102 is coupled toa junction box 106, such as through an extension cable 114. In someexamples, the junction box 106 may be configured to receive power fromthe induction power supply 102 through the extension cable 114 and routethe power to the induction heating tool 108. In some examples, thejunction box 106 may be integrated with (rather than separate from) theinduction power supply 102. In the example of FIG. 1 , the junction box106 includes dual ports 116 configured to receive dual plugs 120 of theinduction heating tool 108. The ports 116 may facilitate a flow of ACpower and/or coolant (e.g., air or liquid) from the junction box 106(and/or induction power supply 102) through the induction heating tool108.

In the example of FIG. 1 , the induction heating tool 108 includes aninduction heating coil 110 (and/or winding) connected to dual plugs 120through cables 118 (and/or conductors, cords, etc.). The cables 118 mayhave a hollow core and may also route coolant through the inductionheating coil 110. In some examples, the induction coil 110 (and/orwinding) may be configured in a stacked and/or pancake spiral pattern.In some examples, the induction coil 110 (and/or winding) may comprise aLitz wire (e.g., a jacketed Litz wire). In some examples, the inductioncoil and/or winding may be secured onto and/or into an insulatingmaterial (e.g., sewn into an insulating blanket). In some examples, theinduction heating tool 108 may be moved by a robotic positioning systemin tandem along a welding path together with a conventional weldinghead, for example a TIG head or any other known type, which “follows”the pre-heating head.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating certain internal components ofthe induction heating system 100, in accordance with the presentdisclosure. As shown in the example of FIG. 2 , the induction powersupply 102 includes control circuitry 202, one or more processors 204,memory circuitry 206, and interface circuitry 208. As shown, the controlcircuitry 202 is further coupled to the junction box 106. The controlcircuitry 202 may be configured to apply control signals to theinduction power supply 102 and/or junction box 106. For example, thecontrol circuitry 202 may provide control signals relating to thealternating electrical current (e.g., alternating current frequencyand/or amplitude) supplied by the induction power supply 102 to thejunction box 106. Additionally, the control circuitry 202 may regulatethe operation of a cooling system used with the induction power supply102 and/or the junction box 106. As mentioned above, the inductionheating system 100 may use air or a coolant to provide circulatingcooling throughout the induction heating system 100. For example, thecontrol circuitry 202 may regulate a flow of a liquid coolant throughthe junction box 106 and/or the induction heating coil 110 to maintain adesired temperature of the induction heating system 100.

The control circuitry 202 is further coupled to the processor(s) 204,memory circuitry 206, and interface circuitry 208. The interfacecircuitry 208 is coupled to the user interface 112 of the inductionpower supply 102. As mentioned above, the user interface 112 of theinduction power supply 102 enables an operator to regulate one or moreoperating parameters or settings of the induction heating system 100.For example, the user interface 112 may enable an operator to select aparticular operation and/or configuration of the induction heating powersupply 102. As will be appreciated, different operations and/orconfigurations may have different maximum/minimum operatingtemperatures, and/or may require different frequencies and/or amplitudesof alternating current to achieve a desired temperature. Similarly, thecoolant used to cool the induction heating tool 108 may have differentparameters (e.g., heat transfer coefficients, viscosities, flow rates,and so forth). Preset values for such configuration parameters, as wellas others, may be stored in the memory circuitry 206. For example, theuser interface 112 may communicate an operator selection to theinterface circuitry 208, which may communicate the selection to theprocessor(s) 204. The processor(s) 204 may then retrieve the particularconfiguration parameters stored in the memory circuitry 206. Thereafter,the processor(s) 204 may send the configuration parameters to thecontrol circuitry 202 in order that the control circuitry 202 may applyappropriate control signals to the induction power supply 102 and/or thejunction box 106.

In the examples of FIGS. 1 & 2 , the junction box 106 includes acommunication device 150 configured for close proximity communicationwith memory devices 152 of the induction heating tool 108. In someexamples, the communication device 150 may be part of the inductionpower supply 102 rather than, or in addition to, the junction box 106.In some examples, the communication device 150 may be a Radio-FrequencyIdentification (RFID) reader/writer, such as an RFID interrogator, forexample. In some examples, the memory devices 152 may be RFID tags(and/or transponders, labels, etc.), for example. In some examples, thecommunication device 150 may be a near field communication (NFC)reader/writer/interrogator, and/or the memory device 152 may be an NFCtag (and/or transponder, label, etc.). Where the memory device 152 is atag, the tag may be an active or passive tag.

In some examples, the communication device 150 may read/write the memorydevices 152 using a close proximity communication protocol, such an ISO18000, ISO 14443, ISO 15693, and/or ISO 24730 protocol, for example. Insome examples, the communication device 150 may read/write the memorydevice 152 using some other communications protocol. Advantageously, NFCand/or RFID devices can communicate without actual contact, avoiding theneed for physical connectors that could be damaged. Rather, NFC and/orRFID devices communicate via electromagnetic induction, such as betweenloop antennas within a common near field associated with each NFC and/orRFID enabled device for data transfer. The communication device 150and/or memory device 152 may include loop antennas (and/or other type ofantennas) to facilitate data transfer via close proximity communication.In some examples, the communication device 150 and/or memory devices 152may use Bluetooth technology in addition to, or rather than, RFID/NFC.

In the examples of FIGS. 1 & 2 , the communication device 150 (e.g.,RFID/NFC interrogator) is positioned adjacent to connection ports 116 ofthe junction box 106. In some examples, more than one communicationdevice 150 may be used, such as one communication device 150 for eachport 116, for example. In the examples of FIGS. 1 & 2 , the memorydevices 152 are positioned in (and/or on, adjacent to, proximate to,etc.) the plugs 120 of the induction heating tool 108. In some examples,each plug 120 may be fitted with its own memory device 152, so as toprovide some redundancy to the induction heating system 100. In someexamples, only one plug 120 may have a memory device 152. In someexamples, one or more communication devices 150 and/or memory devices152 may be positioned in other portions of the induction heating tool108 (e.g., the cable(s) 118 and/or coil/winding 110), and/or in otherportions of the induction power supply 102 and/or junction box 106.

In some examples, the communication device 150 may be configured tointeract (e.g., via close proximity communication) with the memorydevices 152 of the plugs 120 of the induction heating tool 108 when theplugs 120 are connected to the ports 116 of the junction box 106. Moreparticularly, the communication device 150 may be configured to readand/or write data to/from the memory devices 152 via close proximitycommunication. The data read from the memory devices 152 may be storedin memory 206 and/or presented to the operator via the user interface112.

In some examples, the communication device 150 may be in communicationwith the induction power supply 102, such as the control circuitry 202and/or processor(s) 204. In some examples, the communication device 150may be a “smart” reader/writer/interrogator, having built-inintelligence, and allowing the communication device 150 to not onlyread/write data, but also make decisions/determinations based on theread/write data, process the data, and/or perform certain tasks with thedata. In some examples, the communication device 150 may be a “dumb”reader/writer/interrogator that relies on the induction power supply 102to perform the tasks of the induction heating system 100. While thepresent disclosure may describe certain operations undertaken by thecomponents of the induction power supply 102 to makedecisions/determinations based on the read/write data, process the data,and/or perform certain tasks with the data, in some examples theseoperations may alternatively, or additionally, be performed by a “smart”communication device 150.

In some examples, the data read and/or written to/from the memorydevices 152 may include usage log data of the induction heating tool,such as, for example, amount of time used (e.g., number of days, hours,minutes, etc.), location(s) where the tool was used (and/or last used),highest drive current applied, maintenance details (e.g., lastmaintenance, number of times maintenance performed, etc.), manufacturingdetails (e.g., date, location, company, etc.), and/or other information.The communication device 150 may further be configured to write to thememory devices 152 to update this data. For example, the communicationdevice 150 may increment the amount of time used based on an amount oftime the induction heating tool 108 has been in use and/or coupled tothe induction heating power supply and/or junction box. In such anexample, the processor(s) 204 may maintain and/or use an internal clockto measure an elapsed time. Further, the processor(s) 204 may maintain atimestamped record in memory 206 corresponding to the time(s) when theinduction heating tool 108 has been operational and/or coupled to thejunction box 106. The junction box 106 may send one or more signals tothe processor(s) 204 through the control circuitry 202 to indicate whenone or both of the plugs 120 are coupled to the ports 116. Thecommunication device 150 may additionally, or alternatively, send one ormore signals to the processor(s) 204 to indicate when one or both of theplugs 120 are in close enough proximity to be read by the communicationdevice 150. The processor(s) 204 may further communicate with thecontrol circuitry 202 and/or junction box 106 to determine if powerand/or coolant is being routed to the heating tool 108 to determine ifthe heating tool 108 is being used. The processor(s) 204 may use all ofthis information in determining if and/or how much the communicationdevice 150 should increment the amount of time used data stored on thememory devices 152.

As another example, the communication device 150 may update thelocation(s) where the induction heating tool 108 was last used and/orthe highest drive current applied (if a higher drive current has or iscurrently been applied). In determining whether and/or how to update thelocation data, the processor(s) 204 may access location data of theinduction power supply 102 (e.g., Global Positioning System data, userinput location data, and/or other data). In determining whether and/orhow to update highest drive current applied, the processor(s) 204 maydetermine how much drive current is being (and/or has recently been)drawn by, used by, and/or applied to the induction heating tool 108.

Data read by the communication device 150 from the memory device 152 maybe displayed and/or otherwise indicated to the operator via the userinterface 112 of the induction heating system 100. The communicationdevice 150 may write to (and/or update) the memory devices 152 inresponse to input from the user. The data written to the memory devices152 may be provided by the operator via the user interface 112, providedby the induction heating power supply 102, provided by the junction box106, and/or provided by some other device coupled to the inductionheating system 100 (e.g., via the user interface 112).

In some examples, the user interface 112 may be configured to provide awarning (and/or alert, alarm, feedback, etc.) when the amount of timeused data stored in the memory device 152 of the induction heating tool108 meets and/or exceeds a given threshold. The threshold may bepredetermined (e.g., by the induction heating power supply) and/or basedon user input. The user interface 112 may further be configured toprovide a warning (and/or alert, alarm, feedback, etc.) when other datastored in the memory device 152 of the induction heating tool 108 meetsand/or exceeds a given threshold (e.g., amount of time sincemanufacture, highest current, amount of time since last maintenance,etc.). The warning may be a visual, audio, and/or other type of warning,such as an emphasized visual indication shown on the display screen ofthe user interface, and/or a klaxon, siren, and/or other sound that maybe associated with a warning. The warning may serve to alert a user tomaintenance needs of the induction heating tool. In some examples, theamount of time used data may comprise a total amount of time used and anamount of time used since last maintenance. In such an example, thewarning may be in response to the amount of time used since lastmaintenance meets or exceeds a given threshold.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the induction power supply 102 andjunction box 106. The cable 118 and plug 120 of the induction heatingtool 108 is also shown. FIG. 4 is an enlarged depiction of the junctionbox 106, and the cable 118 and plug 120 of the induction heating tool108. While the examples of FIGS. 3 & 4 show only one plug 120 and onecable 118, it should be understood that another plug 120 and/or cable118 may be included in the induction heating system 100.

As shown in the example of FIG. 4 , a panel 402 is positioned behind theports 106, between the ports 106 and the main body 404 of the junctionbox 106. In some examples, the communication device 150 may bepositioned behind the panel 402, with the antennas of the communicationdevice 150 extending around the perimeter of the panel 402 and/or theports 116 so as to enable close proximity communication with memorydevices 152 of plugs 120 being coupled to either port 116. In someexamples, the communication device 150 may be positioned in the body 404of the junction box 106, on the outside of the ports 116 themselves,and/or in other appropriate positions. In some examples, the memorydevices 152 may be positioned in/on a disc 406 that encircles the cable118 at the end of the cable 118 that connects to the plug 120. The disc406 may include a hole through which the cable 118 extends to couple tothe plug 120. In some examples, the memory devices 152 may additionally,or alternatively, be positioned in/on the plugs 120 themselves, in/onthe cables 118 themselves, and/or in other portions of the inductionheating tool 108.

FIG. 5 shows an example control process 500 of the induction heatingsystem 100. In some examples, some or all of the control process 500 maybe implemented in machine readable instructions stored in memory 206and/or executed by the one or more processors 204. In some examples,some or all of the control process 500 may be implemented in analogand/or discrete circuitry (e.g., control circuitry 202). In someexamples, some or all of the control process 500 may be implemented viaone or more “smart” communication devices 150.

In the example of FIG. 5 , the control process 500 begins at block 502the induction heating tool 108 is connected to the power supply 102and/or junction box 106 using ports 116 and plugs 120. At block 504, adetermination is made whether the tool 108 is connected. If the tool 108is not connected, the control process 500 goes back to block 502. If thetool 108 is connected, the control process 500 proceeds to block 506. Insome examples, the junction box 106 and/or power supply 102 may beconfigured to detect if/when the tool 108 is connected (e.g., if/whenone or both plugs 120 are connected to the ports 116). In some examples,blocks 502 and/or 504 may be skipped entirely, and operation may begin(and/or end) at block 506. In some examples, block 504 may comprise anadditional, or alternative, determination as to whether the memorydevices 152 of the tool 108 are in close enough proximity to thecommunication device 150 for read and/or write operations to occur, andthe operation may proceed to block 504 if so. In some examples, thecontrol process 500 may prevent operation of the tool 108 (and/or powertransfer from the induction power supply 102 to the tool 108) unless thememory devices 152 and communication device 150 are in close enoughproximity for read and/or write operations.

At block 506, the communication device 150 reads data from the memorydevices 152 using close proximity communication (e.g., NFC). At block508, the data is saved in memory 206 and/or presented to the operatorvia the user interface 112. At block 510, the power supply 102 and/orcommunication device 150 determines if the some or all of the data meetsand/or exceeds one or more thresholds. If so, a warning is presented tothe operator at block 512. In some examples, the control process 500 mayadditionally, or alternatively, disable power production of theinduction power supply 102, and/or disable power transfer to theinduction heating tool 108 at block 512.

In the example of FIG. 5 , the If not, (or after the warning if so), thecontrol process 500 proceeds to block 514 after block 512 (or afterblock 510 if the one or more thresholds are not met or exceeded). Atblock 514, the power supply 102 and/or communication device 150determines if an update to the data stored in the memory devices 152 iswarranted. If so, the communication device 150 updates the data at block516. If not (or after the update if so), the control process 500 returnsto block 504.

The present methods and systems may be realized in hardware, software,and/or a combination of hardware and software. Example implementationsinclude an application specific integrated circuit and/or a programmablecontrol circuit.

While the present apparatuses, systems, and/or methods have beendescribed with reference to certain implementations, it will beunderstood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be madeand equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope ofthe present apparatuses, systems, and/or methods. In addition, manymodifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material tothe teachings of the present disclosure without departing from itsscope. Therefore, it is intended that the present apparatuses, systems,and/or methods not be limited to the particular implementationsdisclosed, but that the present apparatuses, systems, and/or methodswill include all implementations falling within the scope of theappended claims.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. An induction heating system, comprising: aninduction power source configured to generate induction-type power, anddeliver the induction-type power to an induction heating tool configuredto use the induction-type power to perform a heating operation; acommunication device associated with the induction power source, thecommunication device being configured to read data from a memory deviceattached to the induction heating tool using a close proximitycommunication protocol when the memory device is in close proximity tothe communication device, the data comprising an amount of time theinduction heating tool has been in use; and a user interface configuredto deliver an alert in response to the amount of time meeting orexceeding a threshold.
 22. The system of claim 21, further comprising aport of the induction power source, or of a junction box in electricalcommunication with the induction power source, the port being configuredfor an electrical connection with the induction heating tool, theinduction heating tool configured to receive the induction-type powerthrough the electrical connection with the port, the communicationdevice being positioned proximate the port, and the memory device beingattached to the induction heating tool such that the memory device is inclose proximity to the communication device when the electricalconnection is established between the induction heating tool and theport.
 23. The system of claim 22, further comprising control circuitryconfigured to determine whether the electrical connection has beenestablished between the induction heating tool and the port, the controlcircuitry being configured to prevent the heating operation in responseto determining the electrical connection has not been establishedbetween the induction heating tool and the port.
 24. The system of claim23, wherein determining whether the electrical connection has beenestablished between the induction heating tool and the port comprisesdetermining whether the communication device is able to read the datafrom the memory device attached to the induction heating tool using theclose proximity communication protocol.
 25. The system of claim 22,wherein the communication device is configured to update the data storedby the memory device, using the close proximity communication protocol,based on an amount of time the electrical connection between theinduction heating tool and the port is maintained.
 26. The system ofclaim 21, wherein the memory device comprises an NFC tag, and thecommunication device comprises an NFC interrogator.
 27. The system ofclaim 21, wherein the memory device comprises an RFID tag, and thecommunication device comprises an RFID interrogator.
 28. An inductionheating system, comprising: an induction power source configured togenerate induction-type power, and provide the induction-type power toan induction heating tool configured to use the induction-type power toperform a heating operation; a port of the induction power source, or ofa junction box in electrical communication with the induction powersource, the port being configured for an electrical connection with theinduction heating tool, such that the induction-type power can beprovided through the port to the induction heating tool via theelectrical connection; and a communication device associated with theinduction power source, the communication device being positionedproximate the port, the communication device being configured to readdata from a memory device attached to the induction heating tool using aclose proximity communication protocol when the memory device is inclose proximity to the communication device, the memory device being inclose proximity to the communication device when the electricalconnection is established between the induction heating tool and theport.
 29. The system of claim 28, further comprising control circuitryconfigured to determine whether the electrical connection has beenestablished between the induction heating tool and the port, and inresponse to determining the electrical connection has been established,track an amount of time the electrical connection between the inductionheating tool and the port is maintained, the communication device beingconfigured to update the data stored by the memory device, using theclose proximity communication protocol, based on the amount of time theelectrical connection between the induction heating tool and the port ismaintained.
 30. The system of claim 29, further comprising a userinterface configured to deliver an alert in response to the amount oftime meeting or exceeding a threshold.
 31. The system of claim 28,wherein the communication device is configured to update the data storedby the memory device, using the close proximity communication protocol,based on a location of the induction heating tool or the induction powersource.
 32. The system of claim 28, wherein the communication device isconfigured to update the data stored by the memory device, using theclose proximity communication protocol, based on an electrical currentamount provided to the induction heating tool.
 33. The system of claim32, further comprising a user interface configured to deliver an alertin response to the electrical current amount meeting or exceeding athreshold.
 34. The system of claim 28, wherein the memory devicecomprises a near field communication (NFC) tag or radio frequencyidentification (RFID) tag, the communication device comprises an NFCinterrogator or RFID interrogator, and the communication device ispositioned proximate to the port, in the induction power source, or inthe junction box.
 35. An induction heating tool, comprising: a coilconfigured to receive electrical power to perform a heating operation,the coil comprising an electrically conductive cable that is sheathedwithin an insulating jacket, the electrically conductive cableterminating at a first end at a first connector, and terminating at asecond end, opposite the first end, at a second connector; and a memorydevice configured to store data relating to the induction heating tool,the memory device being positioned proximate the first or secondconnector.
 36. The something of claim 35, wherein the first and secondconnectors are configured to connect to first and second ports of aninduction power supply, or of a junction box in electrical communicationwith the induction power supply.
 37. The something of claim 35, whereinthe memory device is positioned in or on the first connector or thesecond connector, or in or on an element that encircles the insulatingjacket proximate the first connector or second connector.
 38. Thesomething of claim 35, wherein the memory device is insulated from theelectrically conductive cable.
 39. The something of claim 35, whereinthe memory device comprises a first memory device positioned proximatethe first connector, the induction heating tool further comprising asecond memory device positioned proximate the second connector.
 40. Thesomething of claim 35, wherein the memory device comprises a near fieldcommunication (NFC) tag or radio frequency identification (RFID) tag.